gardenmuser
@gardenmuser1.bsky.social
Concerned citizen and planet lover. Formerly health and education. Now painting, planting and pondering: how to bequeath a fairer, kinder world to my grandkids. Transferring from Twitter.
Pinned
gardenmuser
@gardenmuser1.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Denouement: trapped between empires - Part 6
“What you in Australia must understand is that you are more to blame than the CIA. You want this to happen, you want a certain administration in control, and you don’t want another administration in c...
johnmenadue.com
Since demise of Whitlam, orchestrated remotely from UK & US, our govts have been cowed into subordination to US. We need to become a Republic; to review constitution re role and composition of Senate; to extricate ourselves from foreign policy control by US. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/11...
"Though the great Albo silence may have minimised risk, it has also hurt Australia." The first evidence of this was the damage done by the Voice debate, which he left others to prosecute. Sadly, Albo doesn't seem to have the ticker for what his job has become. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Trump fills the great Albo silence
Australia’s leaders are trying to avoid becoming a target in a harsher, more coercive world. But silence and caution can’t substitute for strategy – or for honest leadership that levels with the publi...
johnmenadue.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:05 PM
"Though the great Albo silence may have minimised risk, it has also hurt Australia." The first evidence of this was the damage done by the Voice debate, which he left others to prosecute. Sadly, Albo doesn't seem to have the ticker for what his job has become. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Reposted by gardenmuser
“Australia, among many allies, has arrived at fulcrum at which it is irresponsible not to acknowledge that further membership, active or passive, in alliance with United States would be irresponsible, an inexcusable betrayal of the country’s interests, values.” johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01....
Beyond the ruptured alliance: an outline for Plan B
Australia’s alliance with the United States is no longer reliable, and clinging to it now risks Australia’s interests and values. The case for a deliberate, staged Plan B begins with strategic autonom...
johnmenadue.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:12 AM
“Australia, among many allies, has arrived at fulcrum at which it is irresponsible not to acknowledge that further membership, active or passive, in alliance with United States would be irresponsible, an inexcusable betrayal of the country’s interests, values.” johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01....
Reposted by gardenmuser
Reposted by gardenmuser
“So it isn’t about experience or qualifications. It’s about reflex. #Canberra’smusclememory. When faced with scandal or exposure, Canberra’s instinct is 2 pull the shutters down, shield its own; tidy paperwork later…
It’s the same 4-step, fox-trot, slow-slow-quick-quick; every time…” #auspol
It’s the same 4-step, fox-trot, slow-slow-quick-quick; every time…” #auspol
"The official who shields wrongdoing gets a seat at the diplomatic table; the whistleblower who defends integrity gets a criminal record."
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Falling Upwards: Labor’s Quiet Reward for Failure urbanwronski.com/2026/01/25/f...
January 26, 2026 at 3:12 AM
“So it isn’t about experience or qualifications. It’s about reflex. #Canberra’smusclememory. When faced with scandal or exposure, Canberra’s instinct is 2 pull the shutters down, shield its own; tidy paperwork later…
It’s the same 4-step, fox-trot, slow-slow-quick-quick; every time…” #auspol
It’s the same 4-step, fox-trot, slow-slow-quick-quick; every time…” #auspol
Reposted by gardenmuser
The Trump-led 'Board of Peace' is being framed as a new way to manage global crises – bypassing the UN and replacing multilateral rules with loyalty, deals and financial leverage. Refaat Ibrahim warns it could accelerate a dangerous post-law world order.
#Gaza #internationalrelations #auspol
#Gaza #internationalrelations #auspol
From international law to loyalty and deals: Trump’s Board of Peace play
The Trump-led Board of Peace points to a shift away from international law and multilateral institutions toward a system built on loyalty, coercion and financial leverage.
johnmenadue.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM
The Trump-led 'Board of Peace' is being framed as a new way to manage global crises – bypassing the UN and replacing multilateral rules with loyalty, deals and financial leverage. Refaat Ibrahim warns it could accelerate a dangerous post-law world order.
#Gaza #internationalrelations #auspol
#Gaza #internationalrelations #auspol
Reposted by gardenmuser
@albomp.bsky.social aka Capt Capitulation is the lapdog kneeling at the feet of the superpower & waiting for his masters voice to give him instructions. He has been an utter disappointment. The rest of the @australianlabor.bsky.social are no better than the USA congress with their silence.
January 25, 2026 at 11:51 PM
@albomp.bsky.social aka Capt Capitulation is the lapdog kneeling at the feet of the superpower & waiting for his masters voice to give him instructions. He has been an utter disappointment. The rest of the @australianlabor.bsky.social are no better than the USA congress with their silence.
"The official who shields wrongdoing gets a seat at the diplomatic table; the whistleblower who defends integrity gets a criminal record."
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Falling Upwards: Labor’s Quiet Reward for Failure urbanwronski.com/2026/01/25/f...
Falling Upwards: Labor’s Quiet Reward for Failure
Greg Moriarty’s Washington posting exposes a Canberra culture where failure is rewarded and whistleblowers are punished. From Robodebt to Witness K and Labor’s new hate speech laws, this essay trac…
urbanwronski.com
January 25, 2026 at 11:36 PM
"The official who shields wrongdoing gets a seat at the diplomatic table; the whistleblower who defends integrity gets a criminal record."
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Brilliant article exposing the rotteness that has corrupted this Labor government, barely distinguishable from the crooks they replaced. #auspol
Reposted by gardenmuser
If the US can openly pressure an ally over Greenland, Australia can’t pretend alliance politics is all shared values and mutual trust. John McCarthy argues it’s time to build more strategic autonomy – and stop sanctifying ANZUS.
#auspol #foreignpolicy
#auspol #foreignpolicy
Trump, Greenland and Australia’s alliance reality check
Trump’s behaviour towards Greenland is a warning sign for alliances, values and Western credibility. Australia may need to weigh ANZUS more hard-headedly and build greater strategic autonomy.
johnmenadue.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:00 PM
If the US can openly pressure an ally over Greenland, Australia can’t pretend alliance politics is all shared values and mutual trust. John McCarthy argues it’s time to build more strategic autonomy – and stop sanctifying ANZUS.
#auspol #foreignpolicy
#auspol #foreignpolicy
"There has rarely been a more important time to support independent media that isn't chasing clicks or taking instructions." #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Message from the (acting) Editor
They say ‘start as you mean to go on’, and if that’s true, anyone hoping the new year would bring in peace, cooperation and kindness might now be wondering if we can wind the clock back to 1 January a...
johnmenadue.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:43 PM
"There has rarely been a more important time to support independent media that isn't chasing clicks or taking instructions." #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
"Courage must imbue the government. It must shed itself of decades of manicured histories and managed memories." Time to ditch the American alliance and salvage Australia's sovereignty. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Beyond the ruptured alliance: an outline for Plan B
Australia’s alliance with the United States is no longer reliable, and clinging to it now risks Australia’s interests and values. The case for a deliberate, staged Plan B begins with strategic autonom...
johnmenadue.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:36 PM
"Courage must imbue the government. It must shed itself of decades of manicured histories and managed memories." Time to ditch the American alliance and salvage Australia's sovereignty. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Australia sits "in the lap of a superpower sliding into tyranny."
We are led by hypocrites and sycophants. Is there no one in this Labor party with the wisdom and gumption to correct our course? @jimchalmers.bsky.social, @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We are led by hypocrites and sycophants. Is there no one in this Labor party with the wisdom and gumption to correct our course? @jimchalmers.bsky.social, @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This 26 January, we should question Australia’s subservience to a different empire: Trump’s America | Paul Daley
What would it actually take for Australia to ditch Aukus, dispense with the little America cloak and rethink the alliance?
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Australia sits "in the lap of a superpower sliding into tyranny."
We are led by hypocrites and sycophants. Is there no one in this Labor party with the wisdom and gumption to correct our course? @jimchalmers.bsky.social, @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We are led by hypocrites and sycophants. Is there no one in this Labor party with the wisdom and gumption to correct our course? @jimchalmers.bsky.social, @australianlabor.bsky.social #auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by gardenmuser
I hope that Democrats realize what’s happening in Minnesota is also a dry run for what the regime has planned for the midterms.
January 24, 2026 at 5:59 PM
I hope that Democrats realize what’s happening in Minnesota is also a dry run for what the regime has planned for the midterms.
Reposted by gardenmuser
Masked government agents are conducting “show me your papers” stops, detaining 5-year-olds to use them as bait, and brutally murdering U.S. citizens.
Call it what it is — fascism.
History will not look fondly on politicians and so-called "leaders" of this country who stood by and enabled this.
Call it what it is — fascism.
History will not look fondly on politicians and so-called "leaders" of this country who stood by and enabled this.
January 25, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Masked government agents are conducting “show me your papers” stops, detaining 5-year-olds to use them as bait, and brutally murdering U.S. citizens.
Call it what it is — fascism.
History will not look fondly on politicians and so-called "leaders" of this country who stood by and enabled this.
Call it what it is — fascism.
History will not look fondly on politicians and so-called "leaders" of this country who stood by and enabled this.
Reposted by gardenmuser
Just remember that right now the Albanese Govt is spending billions to the fund the USA military.
January 24, 2026 at 11:51 PM
Just remember that right now the Albanese Govt is spending billions to the fund the USA military.
Reposted by gardenmuser
We can all see it and have been calling out our alliance perfidy for four years. When, if ever, will our government correct course? A huge dose of courage needed. If the current crew at the helm can't find it we need a new broom. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/us-news/comm...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/comm...
Trump’s ‘new normal’ leaves Australia marooned. We can no longer pretend otherwise | Zoe Daniel
The rules-based global order is rapidly disintegrating. It’s time for middle powers to stand together
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:15 AM
We can all see it and have been calling out our alliance perfidy for four years. When, if ever, will our government correct course? A huge dose of courage needed. If the current crew at the helm can't find it we need a new broom. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/us-news/comm...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/comm...
"Peter Malinauskas now holds the dubious position in Australian history as the man who attempted to uphold social cohesion and his own moral reputation while simultaneously destroying both." Ronni Salt on the crummy bastards orchestrating our own McCarthy era. #auspol
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
The dark arts - The Shot
The ideology of the Israel lobby in Australia is this - burn it to the ground rather than ever allow an opposing voice.
theshot.net.au
January 25, 2026 at 12:06 AM
"Peter Malinauskas now holds the dubious position in Australian history as the man who attempted to uphold social cohesion and his own moral reputation while simultaneously destroying both." Ronni Salt on the crummy bastards orchestrating our own McCarthy era. #auspol
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Reposted by gardenmuser
In the Commonwealth under Labor and the Coalition, if you are a senior mate, you always fail upwards. Defence Secretary Moriarty has overseen procurement disasters and scandals, the AUKUS debacle and recruitment fails - so next stop Washington of course.
January 24, 2026 at 10:49 PM
In the Commonwealth under Labor and the Coalition, if you are a senior mate, you always fail upwards. Defence Secretary Moriarty has overseen procurement disasters and scandals, the AUKUS debacle and recruitment fails - so next stop Washington of course.
Reposted by gardenmuser
It is unbelievable that Australian taxpayers are paying to send two former Defence Ministers, now weapons industry lobbyists, to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to spruik their clients and arms sales into the region. Unbelievable except it’s business as usual for Labor and the Coalition
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 PM
It is unbelievable that Australian taxpayers are paying to send two former Defence Ministers, now weapons industry lobbyists, to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to spruik their clients and arms sales into the region. Unbelievable except it’s business as usual for Labor and the Coalition
"There is a strong case for the creation of a minister for social cohesion...Tanya Plibersek would be an ideal choice as minister." Hear, hear! #auspol
A minister for social cohesion www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
A minister for social cohesion www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
A minister for social cohesion
A most important national challenge to all involved in our political process – especially government, opposition and media – is to restore social cohesion. Surely one of our great national successes w...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
January 23, 2026 at 9:34 PM
"There is a strong case for the creation of a minister for social cohesion...Tanya Plibersek would be an ideal choice as minister." Hear, hear! #auspol
A minister for social cohesion www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
A minister for social cohesion www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi... via @thesaturdaypaper.com.au
Reposted by gardenmuser
January 23, 2026 at 9:16 PM
"We are effectively already alone. Now we need to start acting like it." #auspol
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/interna...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/interna...
Trump, Greenland and the end of NATO
ANALYSIS: The US president’s erratic campaign to acquire Greenland forces Europe to strategise for NATO’s demise, and Asia to think about the limits of American power.
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
January 23, 2026 at 9:19 PM
"We are effectively already alone. Now we need to start acting like it." #auspol
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/interna...
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/interna...
"It's great to vanquish your opposition, but not if you turn into them"!!!
The NLP might be disintegrating as we speak, but the ALP has morphed into them in plain sight. #auspol
open.substack.com/pub/tdunlop/...
The NLP might be disintegrating as we speak, but the ALP has morphed into them in plain sight. #auspol
open.substack.com/pub/tdunlop/...
Orwells that ends well
When will the time ever be right for Labor to do the right, I mean, the left thing?
open.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:08 AM
"It's great to vanquish your opposition, but not if you turn into them"!!!
The NLP might be disintegrating as we speak, but the ALP has morphed into them in plain sight. #auspol
open.substack.com/pub/tdunlop/...
The NLP might be disintegrating as we speak, but the ALP has morphed into them in plain sight. #auspol
open.substack.com/pub/tdunlop/...
Reposted by gardenmuser
Tyranny is not too strong a word to use about this shoddy, appallingly drafted, and dangerous piece of legislation
#auspol
We are in the twilight
#auspol
We are in the twilight
"It is posturing by politicians who want to be seen to be 'doing something' in the wake of the Bondi massacre, no matter how ill thought out...It is utterly shameful that MPs of the major parties..supported the process surrounding this law and the law itself." #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny – and this one ticks every box
A sweeping new bill to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism was rushed through federal parliament this week with minimal scrutiny and major rule-of-law flaws. Its vague definitions, retrospective r...
johnmenadue.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Tyranny is not too strong a word to use about this shoddy, appallingly drafted, and dangerous piece of legislation
#auspol
We are in the twilight
#auspol
We are in the twilight
"The middle powers must act together, because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu...Stop invoking a rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised." Blistering speech from Canada's PM. Australia sorely needs a Mark Carney. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
“Take the sign out of the window” – Carney on power, coercion and middle states
Speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Mark Carney argues the rules-based international order is in rupture, not transition – and that “middle powers” must stop performing com...
johnmenadue.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:59 PM
"The middle powers must act together, because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu...Stop invoking a rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised." Blistering speech from Canada's PM. Australia sorely needs a Mark Carney. #auspol
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...
johnmenadue.com/post/2026/01...